Ligue 1

[Porque]

He is mid for a starter in CL contender, but he won't join for that role tbh. He is more or less the 3rd winger for us.

The thing is, there is a lack of talents in the LW position. Outside of RM who has 3 players capable of being good/elite starters in it, and to lesser extent PSG, I can't think of many big clubs that are satisfied with their LW.

Barca? Sure, but many fans will keep talking about Raphinha not being "natural".

Atletico? Almost no one.
Bayern? All mid players, they are in the market for one.
Arsenal? Almost every Arsenal fan think they are in desperate need of a new starter.
Liverpool? They wish upgrade over Diaz.
Chelsea? Don't watch them that much, maybe Neto and Madueke combo is working.
Manu? They need LF/LW
City? Again, they will be in the market for a new starting LW most likely.

Real and PSG have been hoarding talents in that position.

The candidates for it are also underwhelming. Enough was said about Diaz, but Nico comes with expensive package and it doesn't seem he is really that interested in joining us, and he had underwhelming campaign this year despite Bilbao doing better overall. Lookman is same age and price of Diaz, has similar level,less experience but since he isn't as exposed as Diaz, fans will take him over Diaz.

After that you are either gambling on some kid like Fofana/Gittens/Nusa, or talking yourself into the Sane of the world. I doubt most of those will come cheaply.


And for the record, I am not advocating for Diaz, but I can see the logic behind it

What do you think of Leao?

I don't think I've read your opinions of him. Or if I have, have mixed them with someone else.

 

[Maradona37]

If I was Deco I would have somebody on mind who's adapt at playing on both wings.

That's why I am surprised Lamine didn't get more rest time (in less important games) because he is young and shouldn't be overused, and Raphinha can seemlessly slot in over there while someone else can fill in on LW.

A player who can play both wings - cutting in on strong foot on one and being more traditional on the other - is worth their weight in gold. I don't rate him at all but Garnacho is one who has been used on both wings at times and done ok the odd time on RW when he isn't just focused on coming inside and shooting.

 

[Windhook]

That's why I am surprised Lamine didn't get more rest time (in less important games) because he is young and shouldn't be overused, and Raphinha can seemlessly slot in over there while someone else can fill in on LW.

A player who can play both wings - cutting in on strong foot on one and being more traditional on the other - is worth their weight in gold. I don't rate him at all but Garnacho is one who has been used on both wings at times and done ok the odd time on RW when he isn't just focused on coming inside and shooting.

The other option is signing a LW with the idea of Raphinha taking Lamine's RW position when required in the rotation. But this season Raph was not convincing in his former original role.

 

[Maradona37]

The other option is signing a LW with the idea of Raphinha taking Lamine's RW position when required.

Yeah that is what I am getting at with my post too. There's varying ways to do it.

I do feel Lamine Yamal needs more rest next season in less important matches that are winnable without him. You don't want him burning out by the time he's 23. Will he get it? Who knows. But a new LW would help, because as you and I say Raphinha has bundles of energy and can easily slot in at RW when required.

 

[jamrock]

When this this trend become the LW debate trend lol.

Diaz is a no soley due to age and Price.

Talent wise he's a yes.

At this point just have to wait and see

 

[MonteCuler]

I don't think Lamine is getting a lot of rest tbh, although he should

I mean let's be honest, the guy is likely to be top 3 in ballon d'or (maybe wins it too). And no matter what happens on performance level he is the best player in the world

People on new Camp Nou will pay to watch Lamine and less playtime for him means less money, so highly doubt he gets significant rest next season

Maybe they want to buy a LW so they can play Raphinha centrally more often and ofc because Olmo is injured most of the time. And generally a versatile player in attack now is worth gold

 

[Givenchy]

I don't think Lamine is getting a lot of rest tbh, although he should

I mean let's be honest, the guy is likely to be top 3 in ballon d'or (maybe wins it too). And no matter what happens on performance level he is the best player in the world

People on new Camp Nou will pay to watch Lamine and less playtime for him means less money, so highly doubt he gets significant rest next season

Maybe they want to buy a LW so they can play Raphinha centrally more often and ofc because Olmo is injured most of the time. And generally a versatile player in attack now is worth gold

Just loan Rashford honestly and hope Flick can motivate him.

--------Lewa/Ferran
Rashford-Raphinha-Yamal

for when Olmo is out. Rashford can also play at the #9 if needed right?

 

[Maradona37]

Just loan Rashford honestly and hope Flick can motivate him.

--------Lewa/Ferran
Rashford-Raphinha-Yamal

for when Olmo is out. Rashford can also play at the #9 if needed right?

Rashford is pretty awful as a 9, according to United fans (and me having seen him there).

His skillset is much better suited to coming in off the wing with the play in front of him, where he has space and can go past a man with pace or a trick. Or where he can run in behind better. he's awful in tight spaces and at holding the ball up, which is why he'd be inferior even to old Lewy as a 9.

Of course he can play there on rare occasions. But I wouldn't be banking on him playing there ina CL semi-final or Clasico. Just my take.

Also, good to see you online mate.

 

[khaled_a_d]

What do you think of Leao?

I don't think I've read your opinions of him. Or if I have, have mixed them with someone else.

Edit: I realised I wrote too much, so A TLDR version is that I don't see a scenario where he makes sense in terms of cost relative to skillset.

I don't have a direct opinion of him, rather than 2nd hand one. Essentially following what those who watch him regularly say. x

"He is talented dribbler, at his prime (26 in few weeks) but is lazy and inconsistent. "

For me, it comes down to what the club wants in LW.



But let's take a step back first.

For me , and for most fans until late April, Raphinha was universally accepted as the team best player, and surely the best attacker. He was a cheat code in terms of end product, pressing and decision making for the most part. He is a machine that keep going relentlessly.

In the past month, the tide is changing for Lamine, part of it due to recency bias, another part is because our attack was tested against some tough defenses that through everything on our way. And when nothing else worked, we just gave the ball to Lamine and asked him to work his magic.

Despite still not producing much more in terms of end product than Raphinha, fans appreciated that, because there is a pull in players like him, those who create chaos, those whom defenders feels clueless against and scratch their head while playing against them, the feel of desperation or need to focus on them, there is a pull that comes with those players, a gravity that is usually not seen in the end product but makes defenses easier to break. Lamine is that guy for us, and the destabilizer of defenses, but there are levels to this type, from Adama to Lamine. With ton in-between.

Now, before anyone jumping to the this offtopic discussion of Lamine/Raphinha, the question is whether we want that destabilizer or a a scorer/assist machine.

Nico and now Luis Diaz are the two names that were mentioned that we were willing to break the bank for (relatively speaking), while Rashford is the "we are broke option". Lookman is also mentioned and IMHO he is more of Raphinha type of guy, he can score in numbers in the right team.

Both players are more similar than people realize, quick and good dribblers who can actually cause chaos, can create, can score at times, but are tactically sound and hard workers, both worked with some good coaches too who believed in them and came along way.

Those are closer to the Lamine type, but since they aren't really as good, they come without Lamine benefits, they will have to press, and support their fullback when we are defending, and I think they are more than capable of that.

Leao seems like a guy who is more capable of causing chaos, but he will be a hole in the defensive structure of ours. Which why I think he is only coming if we miss on one of those names.

With the our ultra high line, and lack of elite CB, our pressing is our defense, now imagine if Raphinha misses a game and we had to put Lewa, Lamine and Leao in the starting lineup?

It is also unlikely we will get him cheap, with plenty of interested clubs, never mind the salary demands etc. Leao is likely costing similar to Nico if not more, even if it is amortized.

 

[Maradona37]

I don't have a direct opinion of him, rather than 2nd hand one. Essentially following what those who watch him regularly say. A TLDR version is that I don't see a scenario where he makes sense in terms of cost relative to skillset.

"He is talented dribbler, at his prime (26 in few weeks) but is lazy and inconsistent. "

For me, it comes down to what the club wants in LW.



But let's take a step back first.

For me , and for most fans until late April, Raphinha was universally accepted as the team best player, and surely the best attacker. He was a cheat code in terms of end product, pressing and decision making for the most part. He is a machine that keep going relentlessly.

In the past month, the tide is changing for Lamine, part of it due to recency bias, another part is because our attack was tested against some tough defenses that through everything on our way. And when nothing else worked, we just gave the ball to Lamine and asked him to work his magic.

Despite still not producing much more in terms of end product than Raphinha, fans appreciated that, because there is a pull in players like him, those who create chaos, those whom defenders feels clueless against and scratch their head while playing against them, the feel of desperation or need to focus on them, there is a pull that comes with those players, a gravity that is usually not seen in the end product but makes defenses easier to break. Lamine is that guy for us, and the destabilizer of defenses, but there are levels to this type, from Adama to Lamine. With ton in-between.

Now, before anyone jumping to the this offtopic discussion of Lamine/Raphinha, the question is whether we want that destabilizer or a a scorer/assist machine.

Nico and now Luis Diaz are the two names that were mentioned that we were willing to break the bank for (relatively speaking), while Rashford is the "we are broke option". Lookman is also mentioned and IMHO he is more of Raphinha type of guy, he can score in numbers in the right team.

Both players are more similar than people realize, quick and good dribblers who can actually cause chaos, can create, can score at times, but are tactically sound and hard workers, both worked with some good coaches too who believed in them and came along way.

Those are closer to the Lamine type, but since they aren't really as good, they come without Lamine benefits, they will have to press, and support their fullback when we are defending, and I think they are more than capable of that.

Leao seems like a guy who is more capable of causing chaos, but he will be a hole in the defensive structure of ours. Which why I think he is only coming if we miss on one of those names.

With the our ultra high line, and lack of elite CB, our pressing is our defense, now imagine if Raphinha misses a game and we had to put Lewa, Lamine and Leao in the starting lineup?

It is also unlikely we will get him cheap, with plenty of interested clubs, never mind the salary demands etc. Leao is likely costing similar to Nico if not more, even if it is amortized.

Good post for the most part. Agree with a lot. Especially the part about not enough pressers high up with Raphinha replaced by Leao.

 

[serghei]

Lyon just got relegated to Ligue 2. I guess PSG had too many fierce rivals and needed a break next season.

 

[draconifire]

Lyon just got relegated to Ligue 2. I guess PSG had too many fierce rivals and needed a break next season.

My Ex is probably very happy today.
lol.

We should get Fofana. Put in a cheeky bid of 20m.

 

[jamrock]

Cancel the Nico deal, buy fofana instead of 20m

 

[Porque]

But seriously wonder how much he goes for now.

Textor sold his stake in Crystal Palace so a cozy deal there to maintain control seems off the table.

 

[DonAK]

But seriously wonder how much he goes for now.

Textor sold his stake in Crystal Palace so a cozy deal there to maintain control seems off the table.

30-40m.

Lyon will appeal and win.